Effects of selective alpha 2-adrenoreceptors agonists on certain aspects of glucose metabolism in rabbits

ABSTRACT

In conscious fasted rabbits, the effects of two selective alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists, clonidine and guanfacine, on basal serum glucose, glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were investigated. Both drugs inhibited insulin secretion and resulted in hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Clonidine induced more impairment of glucose tolerance compared to guanfacine. These results indicated that adrenergic inhibition of insulin secretion is mediated by alpha-2 adrenoreceptors on pancreatic B-cells